Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl’s Top 5 Hot Dogs

We may not be Chicago and we certainly aren’t New York City. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make a great hot dog. Meat in tube form can be one of life’s great pleasures. The “Chicago Dog” probably made the city famous, right? OK, maybe not. But it’s still delicious. There is no “Minneapolis Dog” or “St. Paul Dog”. If there ever was a “Bloomington Dog” we’re not sure what it would be anyway. So let’s just celebrate the places that do the dog right. Here’s Dara’s list of the Top 5 Hot Dogs!

One should expect a great dog from a place that does a magical job preparing meats of all shapes and sizes. But Dara’s pick for best Hot Dog in the Twin Cities? Yes, this is the number one hot dog in town. Their chef has been nominated for a James Beard but this place does a simple thing like hot dogs unlike anyone else. Head to their beer garden and enjoy this hot dog that comes locally from the St. Joseph Meat Market. This is not a hot dog for the meek. It’s a hogpile of craziness. Don’t wear a clean shirt. And it’s totally worth it. Foot long, with sauces, shoestring potatoes, pickles, cilantro, mustard and more. Why would you NOT order that?

Over off 12th and Hennepin is a little place called Eli’s and the dog that won Dara’s heart here is the “Truffle Dog”. It uses truffle salt, mushroom-leek confit, melted provolone and more. It’s weird, fancy and delicious! Don’t miss their wings or nachos either.

Well, it’s called the Wienery so it has to be good. It’s a little place on the West Bank of the U and we do mean little. The hot dogs are hilarious and unique (and terrific). How about the “Hairy Brain” with mayo, cheese and saurkraut? You can also get a vegan hot dog! With all the wonderful toppings of course. Don’t miss the hand-cut fries and we LOVE local places featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”!

The Depot Tavern in the legendary rock club First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis makes a mean dog. Now, how about a little “Los Angeles Style”? Yes, you read that right. What’s LA style you may ask. A beefy dog, spiral-wrapped in bacon then deep-fried. That’s classic LA style here in Minneapolis and you mix that with a little rock and roll? Perfect. It’s not the LA Strip but it’s delicious!

You can’t talk hot dogs without mentioning the classic Chicago Dog. And Dara thinks the best is at Chris and Rob’s Chicago Taste Authority. They have 3 locations and it’s just the perfect Chicago Dog with spicy, sweet and meaty hot dogs. Plus that neon green relish. A can’t-miss treat is Chris and Rob’s Chicago Dogs!